Developing a just society based on equity and equal opportunities for all with respect for diversity.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

MY VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE SO FAR...Patricia Nimoh

Hello,

Over the last 11 weeks we have visited various
communities around Tamale specifically West Mamprusi District and Savelugu Nanton
District for our baseline research. Our project is on safe choices where the
members of the communities especially the youths are sensitized on sexual
health and relationship education. We educate effectively and thoroughly on
Puberty, Contraception, Sexually Transmitted Infections and the issue of
consent. We have visited communities such as Nayorku, Nanton-Kurugu, Zokuga and
Langa to conduct baseline research in order to assess the current level of
knowledge on sexual health and relationship education. This research would help
our team to discover the communities most in need of sensitization. Our last baseline trip was conducted

in week
seven on 3rd November, 2015 in Gbimsi a community in the West
Mamprusi District.

At Nayorku for Baseline research -West Mamprusi District

From my
observation in these communities on our baseline research, most of them (both
young and old) were unaware of other methods of contraception and ways to
prevent STIs. The research carried out was a success to me as it helped us to
uncover the needs of these communities relating to some sexual health issues.
Having access to health is a basic human right and this includes sexual and
reproductive health. To ensure these rights, people must be educated on their
reproductive health and rights as well as their sexual health and rights. All
persons irrespective of their age and gender must be treated according to their
needs. Good sexual and reproductive health services promote public health and
improve quality of life. They can reduce the risk of disability, diseases or
death from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, as
well as unwanted pregnancies and harmful traditional practices such as female
genital mutilation.

At Nonton Kurugu Community -Baseline Survey. Savelugu Municipality

Despite these gains, most people in these communities,
especially adolescents, have little or no knowledge on sexual and reproductive
health which makes them vulnerable to sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancies and
sexually transmitted infections. There has been a lot of stigma discussing
issues related to sexual and reproductive health due to religious and moral
reasons in these communities especially Langa. Conversations on sexual matters
may be seen as rude and impolite so many young people find it difficult to talk
about sexual matters openly and freely, even when they need urgent information
and help to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

I have been eager
throughout my time on the programme to go and make an impact in the lives of
these vulnerable ones.

As knowledge
is power don’t be left out. Be in my shoes, volunteer with ICS; challenge yourself
to change the world.